Industrial Piercing: The Definitive Guide (Answers & Gallery)

Industrial piercing is an extraordinary body modification variety that is gaining popularity day by day. It was a turning point for it when experienced piercing master Erik Dakota first mentioned industrial piercing in Body Play magazine in 1992. Therefore, we can say that the golden age of this piercing is the 90s. It has risen to the top as part of the punk, grunge, and gothic cultures. Today, it is a passion that many piercing lovers from all over the world swarm to piercers to get their ears pierced with an industrial bar.

Getting an industrial piercing is really a bold decision. First of all, your ear anatomy must suitable for piercing with an industrial bar. Also, this body modification requires lots of care and attention during the aftercare period. If you are confident enough to challenge it, we definitely recommend you consider an industrial for a different accessory experience.

Although an industrial piercing is a piercing type that includes two holes connected with one piece of jewelry, it offers many styling options. There are endless ideas from simple steel barbells to jewelry decorated with gemstones.

This piercing variety is a unique way to reflect your image. If you volunteer to try a tough one among the infinite number of ways you can choose to modify your body, read on to learn everything you want to know about industrial piercing and take a glance at different jewelry ideas.

What Is The Industrial Piercing?

Essentially, any piercings that consist of two pierced holes connected by a single barbell are referred to as industrial piercing. The most common one is located in the upper cartilage of the ear, but there are also different versions. It is also known as scaffolding piercing and construction piercing.

In an industrial piercing, while one of the fistulas is created in the helix area, the other is in the forward helix. The body modification artist pierces two holes at a 45-degree angle on the upper cartilage of the ear and inserts a long barbell through these holes.

Some people associate this piercing with a punk style. However, we don’t believe that a style has to belong to any particular culture or community. Everybody can have a unique look with a piece of unique piercing jewelry.

Shortly, an industrial piercing covers two different piercings located on the helix and the forward helix. So the ridge of the ear cartilage is pierced with a piercing needle from two different points and connected with a barbell. Also, this piercing variety has vertical variations too.

Industrial Piercing Variations

An industrial piercing technically consists of two separate cartilage piercing. In the traditional style, the helix and forward helix are connected to each other with a bar. However, it is possible to try different variations such as vertical industrial piercing.

Double industrial piercing is a good option that you can get by using two barbells. Apart from these, it is possible to prefer different piercing variations and jewelry options by adding more piercings in different parts of your ear.

How To Apply A Industrial Piercing?

Although there are different methods used by piercers, an industrial piercing is typically applied with a 14 gauge piercing needle. This is called the freehand technique. We strongly recommend that you avoid piercing guns, especially when getting your cartilage pierced. Because it can be caused trauma and damage.

The body modification artist can pierce your helix and the forward helix at the same time with a single needle or use two separate needles for the holes. As we mentioned before an industrial piercing consists of two different holes. Also, using a cork or receiving tube will be helpful to balance the pressure of the needle on the skin during the piercing process. Besides that, piercers can prefer cannula-piercing needles to pierce the cartilage.

The piercer first marks the points where the industrial barbell will go through with a pencil. Then he/she does the first piercing with a needle in the helix area. After the jewelry is placed on the end of the needle, the needle is slid through the hole, allowing the jewelry to insert into the hole. One end of the industrial barbell is fixed with a bead. The second hole is created on the forward helix. The piercer can use a different needle for this hole. After the ridge on the forward helix is pierced, the barbell, which was gone through the first hole in the previous step, is added to the end of the needle and inserted into the second hole.

Finally, the other end of the barbell is secured with a bead. The piercer cleans the inner and outer areas of the ear. This is how the piercing process is completed.

Does A Industrial Piercing Hurt?

The pain is relative. Therefore, how much an industrial piercing hurt depends on your pain tolerance. However, we can say that it is as painful as any cartilage piercing according to the declarations of piercing enthusiasts who have experienced getting the upper cartilage of their ear pierced.

When it comes to industrial piercings, the pain is like a pinch and instant shock during creating holes. Also, you may feel some pain even after the needle goes through the hole. But this won’t be a very sharp and intense soreness.

Our subjective opinion is that an industrial piercing is slightly more painful than a standard cartilage piercing. Because it consists of two separate piercings. Therefore, you will have to face pain twice. Also, it is done with a larger needle. Accordingly, the level of pain may increase.

How Much Does A Industrial Piercing Cost?

An industrial piercing costs around $50-60, including a standard and safe piece of jewelry. This price may give you an idea, but it is not certain. Prices can vary a lot depending on your location, the popularity of the piercing shop, and the experience of the piercer. For this reason, it would be a good idea to call the piercer and get price information before the piercing process.

There are two fees that determine how much you will pay for an industrial piercing. It is beneficial to consider the service and jewelry fees separately. You can guess that a solid gold piece of jewelry will be expensive more than a stainless steel barbell.

If you have decided to have an industrial piercing never look for the cheapest one. When it comes to your body, A healthy and sterile procedure is more important than expenses.

Aftercare Process For A Industrial Piercing

As you know, an industrial piercing is essentially a cartilage piercing. Also, it has two different pierced holes. Therefore, this piercing variety requires intense care and responsibility.

Actually, the aftercare routine is similar to other cartilage piercings. You can clean your ears with a saline solution twice a day. Thus, it is possible to avoid infections and speed up the healing process. Only touch your piercing while cleaning it. Don’t forget to wash your hands before cleaning your industrial piercing. Besides that, try not to poke or play with your fresh piercing.

An industrial piercing needs attention and patience during the healing process. Avoid any pressure on it. Don’t sleep on your pierced ear for at least three and four months to prevent swelling. You can use earphones instead of headphones.

Apart from these, it is best to not try to change or remove your jewelry too early. Thus, you can protect your industrial piercing from the risk of getting an infection and closing up.

Healing Time

It can take up to 1 year for an industrial piercing to fully heal. Of course, the healing time may vary depending on the individual immune system and general health. Therefore, it isn’t possible to talk about a definite healing time.

Since industrial piercings are cartilage piercings, they heal longer than lobe piercings. Also, having two separate holes is one of the factors that prolong the healing process. We can say that your piercing will typically heal greatly in 6 months.

The key point is consistency. Even if you don’t experience pain or swelling, you should continue to follow aftercare instructions. Symptoms such as soreness, redness, or swelling may be considered normal for the first week after having your ear pierced. However, we expect these symptoms to subside over time. Otherwise, it may be necessary to talk to your piercer first and get professional health care if necessary.

We have a few recommendations for shortening the recovery time. Try to eliminate any contacts that may irritate your piercing, such as hair or clothing. Follow the aftercare instructions regularly you received from your body modification artist. Take care of your general health.

Which Jewelry Can I Choose For Industrial Piercings?

When it comes to industrial piercings, the most traditional piece of jewelry is a straight barbell. The thickness of this barbell is usually 14 gauge. However, the use of 16 and 18-gauge industrial barbells are increasing day by day. In addition, the length may vary according to the anatomy of your ear.

The basic logic behind an industrial piercing is to connect two separate piercings. Therefore, any jewelry that provides a connection can be preferred. For example, a chain with rings at the ends can be a unique jewelry alternative for this piercing variety. Besides that, it is also possible to choose spiral, zig-zag, or curved barbells.

If you want to use your creativity, you can also try arrow or spear-shaped barbells. Besides, There are stylish options that are decorated gems.

Jewelry Materials For A Industrial Piercing

The material of your industrial piercing jewelry is a very important issue. We strongly recommend that you stay away from poor-quality materials. Therefore, avoid materials such as plastics, low-purity gold, non-surgical steel, and other low-quality metals. Because they may be caused allergy and irritation. Also, these materials can hinder your healing process. Choosing high-quality materials will be a beneficial investment for your valuable body. Here are the best materials for your industrial piercing jewelry.

Implant Grade Stainless Steel: It is a very popular material for industrial piercing jewelry. It is relatively affordable and safe. Also, it offers colorful jewelry alternatives. If you are allergic to nickel, you may want to consider other high-quality materials.

Titanium: Titanium is one of the best piercing jewelry materials. It is highly safe, solid, and lightweight. Titanium is more expensive compares with stainless steel. It doesn’t contain nickel. If you want a high-quality material, titanium may be your first choice for industrial piercing jewelry.

Gold: 14-karat gold is suitable for an industrial piercing. It is a safe, high-quality, and non-allergic material. Besides that, you can prefer any of the yellow, rose, or white gold alternatives. We are sure that your golden industrial jewelry will look elegant and stylish.

FAQ About Industrial Piercing

Is An Industrial Piercing Suitable For Me?

There are a few factors to consider before getting an industrial piercing. First of all, your ear anatomy should be suitable for the industrial. If the helix of your ear is small, thin, and not defined, this piercing variation may not be the right choice for you. Also, the curved part of the ear may sometimes be far back behind the flat of the ear. In this situation, the industrial bar contact with the flat of your ear can cause pain and discomfort.

As we mentioned before, an industrial piercing needs great attention and patience. If you won’t deal with the aftercare process, you can go for other piercing alternatives. Also, you should wait at least six months before you remove the jewelry. Besides that, this piercing may affect your daily life. If you have an industrial piercing, it is important what side of your body you sleep on. Also, you should be careful during every activity to avoid contact.

How To Change My Industrial Piercing Jewelry?

We think it is ideal that you wait a year before changing your industrial piercing jewelry. Because a fully healed piercing provides more flexibility. If you aren’t patient enough, wait at least six months before changing or removing your jewelry. Otherwise, you may have to get pierced again.

Although it is possible to change the industrial piercing jewelry on your own, we recommend that you visit your piercer for the first change. This will be an opportunity to have your piercing checked and get some advice.

The Best Industrial Piercing Ideas

There are endless alternatives for industrial piercing. While you can prefer a classic straight barbell, it is also possible to try different jewelry options such as chains, geometrical bars, and other decorative accessories. If you need inspiration, you can find the best, latest, and most stylish industrial piercing ideas in our gallery. Before you get your cartilage pierced, take a quick look.